Please use this page to add comments or questions you may have at any point. Just click below the previous comment under the relevant Session Heading with your name and question.
Example I would like to hear more about strategies for collecting self-assessment or reflection from younger learners. Billy Banks
Day 1
How do we follow up on learning the principles of the PYP throughout the year? Ther e should be ongoing professional development thoughoutthe year supported by your PYP Coordinator. Tghere are many resources available on the Online Curriculum Centre. You can also join the PYP discussion groups on LinkedIn and Twitter.
How will the learner profile be supported throughout the school? Please see the learner profile page of this wiki.
There were many questions about teaching the essential elements to EAL students. The use of visuals can be supportive. Collaborative planning with mother tongue teachers is beneficial as students need to know the vocabulary in their first language. School approaches to language acquisition are addressed in the IB documents, Guidelines for developing a school language policy as well as the IB Standards & Practices.
How is the PYP useful in specialist subject areas like, for example, P.E.? By focusing on conceptual understandings in stand alone specialist units learning becomes more timeless, relevant and universal (i.e. not contained within any subject area). By planning collaboratively with homeroom teachers in focused units (determined at the start of the year) specialist teachers support the conceptual learning that is going on in the homeroom classroom.
What are the lines of inquiry covered in each Unit of Inquiry? The Lines of Inquiry support the developing understanding of the Central Idea. They help focus the inquiry further. There can be three or four / unit and are decided by the teaching team.
How is IB teaching methodology different than more common practice? IB teaching methodology is based on research backed best practices. They are constantly under review and updated. The IB Standards & Practices reflect this and are part of the quality assurance approach to accrediting schools. This will be addressed in greater detail in Day 2.
Do you have any tips or advice for promoting collaborative planning? Collaborative planning is a requirement of all IB schools. Individual schools are responsible for ensuring they comply with all standards & practices laid out for accreditation.
How do I self-assess my practice? Your constant collaboration with colleagues should help you develop your skills as a PYP practitioner. Your PYP Coordinator is key in overseeing professional development.
How do we support parents in understanding the programme? Regular communication is crucial in strengthening the school/home bond so necessary for meaningful learning. Teachers can keep parents informed through regular newsletters and schools often elect to hold both formal & informal information sessions focusing on aspects of student learning in the PYP. Be proactive?
With all this new material (curriculum) will there be support in school if we need help? By making the decision to become a PYP candidate school your administration has made great efforts to demonstrate their dedication to the vision and philosophy of the IB, including the requirements for ongoing professional development.
Just click below the previous comment under the relevant Session Heading with your name and question.
Example
I would like to hear more about strategies for collecting self-assessment or reflection from younger learners.
Billy Banks
Day 1
How do we follow up on learning the principles of the PYP throughout the year?Ther e should be ongoing professional development thoughoutthe year supported by your PYP Coordinator. Tghere are many resources available on the Online Curriculum Centre. You can also join the PYP discussion groups on LinkedIn and Twitter.
How will the learner profile be supported throughout the school?
Please see the learner profile page of this wiki.
There were many questions about teaching the essential elements to EAL students.
The use of visuals can be supportive. Collaborative planning with mother tongue teachers is beneficial as students need to know the vocabulary in their first language. School approaches to language acquisition are addressed in the IB documents, Guidelines for developing a school language policy as well as the IB Standards & Practices.
How is the PYP useful in specialist subject areas like, for example, P.E.?
By focusing on conceptual understandings in stand alone specialist units learning becomes more timeless, relevant and universal (i.e. not contained within any subject area). By planning collaboratively with homeroom teachers in focused units (determined at the start of the year) specialist teachers support the conceptual learning that is going on in the homeroom classroom.
What are the lines of inquiry covered in each Unit of Inquiry?
The Lines of Inquiry support the developing understanding of the Central Idea. They help focus the inquiry further. There can be three or four / unit and are decided by the teaching team.
How is IB teaching methodology different than more common practice?
IB teaching methodology is based on research backed best practices. They are constantly under review and updated. The IB Standards & Practices reflect this and are part of the quality assurance approach to accrediting schools. This will be addressed in greater detail in Day 2.
Do you have any tips or advice for promoting collaborative planning?
Collaborative planning is a requirement of all IB schools. Individual schools are responsible for ensuring they comply with all standards & practices laid out for accreditation.
How do I self-assess my practice?
Your constant collaboration with colleagues should help you develop your skills as a PYP practitioner. Your PYP Coordinator is key in overseeing professional development.
How do we support parents in understanding the programme?
Regular communication is crucial in strengthening the school/home bond so necessary for meaningful learning. Teachers can keep parents informed through regular newsletters and schools often elect to hold both formal & informal information sessions focusing on aspects of student learning in the PYP. Be proactive?
With all this new material (curriculum) will there be support in school if we need help?
By making the decision to become a PYP candidate school your administration has made great efforts to demonstrate their dedication to the vision and philosophy of the IB, including the requirements for ongoing professional development.
Day 2
Image credit:georges-dahdouh